NEC Alumni Announced as Boston Lyric Opera's 2026-27 Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artists

Published on August 6, 2026

Boston Lyric Opera announced their 2026-27 Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artists which includes several NEC alumni!
 
Soprano: Dani Zhang '26 AD
Mezzo-soprano: Juliette Kaoudji '20, '22 MM, '23 GD
Tenor: Suowei Wu '25 MM, '26 GD
Countertenor: Ricky Lee Owens, Jr. '26 GD
Bass-baritone: Zizhao Wang '18, '20 MM, '21 GD
Conductor: Clancy Ellis '26 GD
 
The Boston Lyric Opera’s Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artists program is a professional development initiative designed to cultivate post-graduate and exceptional early-career opera talent by offering essential career support, performance experience, and industry exposure. Through this program, selected singers, directors, and stage managers gain valuable hands-on experience by understudying or performing roles in BLO productions, taking on paid event engagements, and receiving one-on-one coaching from leaders like Music Director David Angus. Additionally, participants receive direct career mentorship from General Director Bradley Vernatter, assistance with repertoire and audition preparation, and high-level networking opportunities with key artist managers to help offset the financial and practical hurdles of building a sustainable opera career.

Congrats to all!

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